The preliminary prospectus, which is prepared in consultation with the advisor, must clearly indicate the research topic, its theoretical importance in the study of religion, and a methodology for addressing the topic. The formal prospectus must also include a bibliography. Approval of the formal prospectus by departmental faculty constitutes acceptance of the student's candidacy for honors. Copies of past proposals approved by the faculty are available in the department office. Students should contact the department coordinator, Lynn Brettler, to make arrangements to view this file.
Honors in Religion
Procedures for Honors Projects in Religion
Students who have demonstrated exemplary skill and discipline in their coursework are encouraged to undertake an honors project.
Such students must think carefully about their commitment to completing an intensive research project during their senior year. In addition, they must be able to articulate a particular question to research and to contextualize their question within broader conversations in the discipline. The faculty recommends that religion majors begin thinking about and discussing with a member of the department a possible project as early as their junior year so as to take advantage of summer research funding. Candidates for honors complete two semesters of independent study and are expected to draw theoretical resources and methodological methods from Religion 3390.
To embark on research for an honors project in religion, students enroll in the fall semester of their senior year in an independent study with a department member who has agreed to supervise such a project. Bear in mind that enrollment in an advanced independent study does not replace the religion major requirement of two 3000-level courses (including Religion 3390).
Students must submit a copy of their 1-2 page preliminary prospectus to each member of the department by September 15. The faculty members will discuss the prospectus and the advisor will report back to the student. Based on feedback received, students submit to each member of the department a copy of their formal prospectus of 6-8 pages (including bibliography) by November 1.
Important Deadlines
Again, the advisor will report back to the student the evaluation of the department. If approval is received to proceed with the honors project, a draft of a chapter is due at the end of the fall semester. Should approval not be granted, it is expected that the student will complete a lengthy research essay at the conclusion of this independent study.
Faculty members and students are at liberty to determine a writing schedule for the honors project; however, they are urged to adhere to the following guidelines: a second installment at the start of February; a third installment at the start of March and the entire draft completed by the start of April.
Proposing an Honors Project
Students contemplating a program of independent study leading to honors should be aware of the following expectations: